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Email MPHAs local authorities across the UK work to fulfil the SEND Sufficiency Strategy, the demand for high-quality SEND classroom extensions has never been higher. With councils recently allocated £3bn in government funding to create thousands of additional specialist places, schools like Tor View in Lancashire are leading the way by implementing rapid, high-specification modular solutions. This case study explores how a bespoke modular school extension for SEND pupils provided Tor View School with three critical new classrooms, enabling the academy to successfully manage a significant increase in pupil numbers while maintaining a world-class environment for learners with complex needs.
Facing over-capacity and need an SEND school extension? Discover how Tor View Special School added three new spaces using modular construction to support pupils with SEMH and physical disabilities.
Client: Tor View School
Location: Rossendale, Lancashire
Project: Three-Classroom Modular Extension for SEND Provision
Sector: Education / Special Educational Needs (SEND)
Tor View is a renowned Special School catering to learners aged 4-19 with Profound & Multiple, Severe, and Moderate Learning Difficulties. With many students presenting associated needs such as Down’s Syndrome, Autism, and Cerebral Palsy, the school provides a vital Intensive Support Centre for those with complex communication and physical requirements.
Despite a stated capacity of 165, the school’s roll had swelled to 260 pupils—nearly 60% over capacity. With numbers set to rise again, Tor View worked closely with the Lancashire Local Authority to engage with the SEND Sufficiency Strategy. This strategy was developed to fulfil statutory duties and provide high-quality specialist provision in response to the surging demand for SEND places across the county.
To meet this need, the school required an urgent extension to accommodate SEND pupils, providing three additional classrooms without disrupting existing campus operations.
Utilising a surplus car parking area on the Ewood Campus, MPH Building Systems designed and delivered a bespoke modular building tailored to the specific requirements of the school’s Intensive Support Centre and broader student body.
In line with the recent government initiative—highlighted by the BBC report on £3bn funding for SEND spaces—this project exemplifies how modular construction can rapidly bridge the gap between pupil numbers and available specialist facilities.
The project successfully delivered the additional space needed to help Tor View address its over-capacity. By choosing a modular school extension, the school benefited from a significantly shorter build schedule compared to traditional construction, minimising the impact on the highly sensitive learning environment.
The new building provides a modern, specialised learning environment that allows the school to continue its mission of providing world-class education to learners with complex needs.
Following a previous successful project on the site, the school’s leadership was confident in MPH’s ability to deliver under the specific constraints of an active SEND environment.
“Following a previous similar build on site, MPH have again worked really well with the school during the build and have responded to all queries promptly. The School cannot wait to move into the building and for the learners to access the wonderful spaces created.” — Sue Johnson, Academy Business Lead
As local authorities and academies across the UK look to utilise the £3bn in government funding to create thousands of new SEND places, MPH Building Systems stands ready to assist. Our modular solutions offer:
Are you looking to expand your specialist provision? Contact MPH Building Systems today to discuss how our modular school extensions for SEND pupils can help you meet your capacity goals.
Enquire today to explore a solution to your modular project or request a downloadable copy of this project for further consideration.